House Speaker Robert DeLeo refers matter to Ethics Committee

House Speaker Robert DeLeo has opened an investigation into "serious allegations" against Worcester State Rep. John P. Fresolo after a State House employee brought a complaint to the House counsel, NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported.

A spokesman for DeLeo told the State House News Service that House counsel Jim Kennedy brought the allegations made by a House employee against the lawmaker to the attention of DeLeo two weeks ago.

DeLeo had Kennedy conduct a preliminary review, and found "sufficient cause" to warrant a full investigation, according to a statement from DeLeo’s office.

Fresolo, a Democrat, told NewsCenter 5 that his attorney has instructed him not to answer any questions.

"On advice of counsel, I have no comment," he told NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu seconds after pulling into his garage and getting out of his car.

Asked if he was being investigated by the House Ethics Committee, Fresolo said, "Again, I have no comment."

Fresolo denied he would be resigning.

"No, I'm not going to resign," he said as he walked into his house and shut the door.

Two sources told Newscenter 5 the House employe who made the complaint is a woman. It was not immediately know if she works for Fresolo, or in another capacity.

DeLeo last Friday directed the House Committee on Ethics, chaired by Rep. Martin Walsh, to "fully investigate the allegation," according to spokesman Seth Gitell.

"All proceedings of the House Committee on Ethics are confidential. Therefore I will have no comment, including to confirm or deny any issue which may or may not have been referred to the Committee," Walsh said in a statement.